Press Room :: Press Release :: August 2011

McLean, Va. – A USA TODAY analysis of more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals has found that 120 of those most highly rated by patients have higher than average death rates for heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia. More than a dozen of these hospitals have high death rates for at least two of those conditions. The analysis highlights the risks of making health care choices on subjective recommendations rather than accurate measures of a hospital's quality and performance.

USA TODAY obtained the hospital death rate data exclusively in advance from Medicare, who will release the information publicly today. USA TODAY's team, led by medical reporter Steve Sternberg and database analyst Christopher Schnaars, analyzed the data, looking for the latest trends on hospital quality and performance. The resulting story not only provides readers with a smart, informed look at the state of medical care provided by hospitals today, it also supplies a user-friendly internet graphic that allows users to tap into information from the hospital across the street or across the country. Wondering where to seek health care? This is a great place to start. To view the interactive graphic, go to hospitals.usatoday.com.

The data reflects more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals that accept Medicare patients, including for the first time this year – more than 120 Veterans Administration Hospitals. The numbers reflect figures for 2007 - 2010. Information is given for death rates and readmissions within 30 days for three of the most common diagnoses – heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia. USA TODAY also incorporated an analysis of patient survey results that show what patients think of nursing, communications, and whether they would recommend the hospital.

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Today, through its newspaper, website and mobile platforms, USA TODAY connects readers and engages the national conversation. USA TODAY, the nation's number one newspaper in print circulation with an average of more than 1.8 million daily, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper website launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.4 million readers daily. USA TODAY is a leader in mobile applications with more than nine million downloads on mobile devices. The USA TODAY brand also includes USA TODAY Education and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).